A number of staff learned British Sign Language (BSL) so they could sign a Christmas song, to patients over the festive period.

The team created a video of them signing and signing Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, which has quickly shot to viral fame on Twitter and Facebook.

The heartwarming video, was the brainchild of healthcare assistant, Charlene Newman, who learned BSL while working in a school for children with special needs.

Initially, she taught colleagues in the paediatric recovery team, but before long her enthusiasm spread to other departments.

Charlene said: "I really enjoyed teaching my colleagues and want to thank everyone who joined in to make it such a special way to say merry Christmas to our patients.

"They were brilliant."

These ladies were bringing Christmas cheer to the children at Addenbrooke's. (Image: Addenbrooke's)

Paediatric recovery team leader, senior nurse Katie Bagstaff, said they were “overwhelmed” by the positive patient feedback on the video, which was created with the help of the hospital’s communications team.

She said: “Charlene was the driving force behind this project. She did all the organising and teaching and even stood behind the camera helping to direct colleagues. Her enthusiasm was infectious!

“The video was great fun to make, but most importantly it has given staff the opportunity to learn BSL. That’s really important in departments like our where there are sometimes children with hearing impairments who need a little more reassurance.”